Biodiversity as a strategic success factor: Training for DIHK/IHK biodiversity alliances highlights pathways for integrating biodiversity into corporate management
Yesterday, corsus delivered the first biodiversity training for corporations as part of the regional biodiversity alliances of the DIHK/IHK. Members of the alliance had the opportunity to participate in this free training, which was launched as part of the “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt (UBI)” project. Dr. Ulrike Eberle shared practical knowledge and specific tools on how biodiversity can be integrated into corporate processes and strategies. The training demonstrated that biodiversity is not merely “a nice-to-have”, but a key for ensuring sustainable societies in harmony with resilient economies – it is possible and can be managed.
The systematic integration of biodiversity in corporations is indispensable from an ecological perspective, and economically essential: Half of all economic activity depends on biodiversity. The annual economic value of biodiversity is estimated at $170 to $190 trillion—more than double the global GDP, while biodiversity loss could cost the global economy $2.7 trillion per year by 2030. Therefore, considering and integrating biodiversity in corporations is essential:
Eva Baumgärtner from the DIHK and Dr. Ulrike Eberle confidently led approximately 90 participants through an engaging program. Ulrike Eberle presented the management model demonstrating how biodiversity can be integrated into corporate management – from the analysis and target setting to defining and implementing measures, impact assessments and continuous improvement.
In addition to the management model, practical instruments were introduced and explained – ranging from risk analysis to the supply chain management. These tools show that biodiversity can be systematically managed and steered across the circular model.
Ulrike Eberle emphasized: “Biodiversity, like any other sustainability topic, must be embedded in the corporate management through specific goals, measures and measurable indicators. Importantly, this is not a rigid process, but a dynamic cycle that makes biodiversity strategies effective.”
Kirstin Merz and Carsten Engels from Otto Fuchs KG provided participants with valuable, hands-on insights into the company’s biodiversity management. Their vision is rooted in a clear message from Klaus Martin Schwab: “The biological diversity provides the foundation of economic success”. Their experience shows: a structured approach ensures resilient success.
Success depends not only on a clear strategy with defined goals and priorities but also on the binding integration of biodiversity guidelines, such as through an operational framework, which safeguards corporate responsibility.
Otto Fuchs KG’s Quick Wins are specifically significant: designing company grounds with native plants and habitats for insects and birds; embedding biodiversity targets in management KPIs and business strategy; integrating biodiversity criteria into supplier selection and procurement. Clearly, biodiversity is not a cost factor, but a strategic competitive advantage.
Dr. Ulrike Eberle further illustrated how biodiversity can be actively integrated into corporate supply chain management. Despite the importance of analysing and achieving transparency along the supply chain, it is essential to identify existing risks and opportunities for risk mitigation.
Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co KG also takes significant steps to protecting and promoting biodiversity, such as Georg Hoffmann demonstrated in his inspiring presentation. The idea “Vielfalt statt Einfalt – Biodiversity für Jedermann (und -frau)“, translated to “Diversity instead of monotony“ was systematically integrated into the company’s own cafeteria and menu offerings. Additionally, Alfred Ritter GmbH provides biodiversity-related training to all staff tasked with procurement, and it manages its cocoa plantation in Nicaragua as an agroforestry system including regular impact monitoring system. A key focus at Ritter is its diverse apprenticeship projects, where participants actively plan and design spaces to make biodiversity tangible.
The training demonstrated that biodiversity is not a cost factor but a strategic lever for sustainable success. Companies investing in biodiversity today secure not only ecological but also economic advantages for tomorrow.
A sincere thank you to all participants, organisers, and speakers for this inspiring exchange. We’re already looking forward to the upcoming training sessions!
corsus supports you in the identification of opportunities and risks associated with biodiversity loss for your business activities, products and supply chains, and jointly develop strategies to address them.
Do you need support? Don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re happy to help!
